Assassin's Creed Shadows is set to launch on March 20, 2025, bringing with it considerable enhancements, particularly on the PlayStation 5 Pro (PS5 Pro). According to a recently published report by Digital Foundry, this game showcases some of the most impressive advancements in gaming technology we've seen so far, especially regarding visual fidelity and performance.
Interestingly, Assassin's Creed Shadows was initially intended to launch alongside the PS5 Pro, which would have undoubtedly bolstered the console's reputation as a powerhouse for gaming. The PS5 Pro version of the game features Ray-Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) in Performance Mode, a technology that enhances lighting realism, yet is limited to 30 FPS on the base PS5 and Xbox Series X.
In their analysis, Digital Foundry highlights how the PS5 Pro leverages its processing power to deliver smooth 60 FPS gameplay in Performance Mode with minor frame drops occurring in challenging scenarios. Moreover, while the ray-traced global illumination is only accessible in Quality Mode on the base system, the PS5 Pro allows its use even at the higher frame rate, providing a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
Players will notice significant visual enhancements when playing on the PS5 Pro compared to the base version. Interiors appear to have more depth and vibrancy, while colors seem to pop. As noted in a review, "Shadows has one of the largest Pro upgrades we've seen so far," emphasizing the stark contrasts between the two versions, particularly under different lighting conditions.
For gamers exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Shadows, the PS5 Pro's ability to render lighting effects distinctly enhances the experience. In scenes set within densely forested areas, the PS5 Pro's graphics engine allows sunlight to filter through foliage, creating a vivid contrast between bright and shaded areas that is simply not achievable on the base hardware. The improvement in visual fidelity illustrates what can be accomplished when developers optimize their games for upgraded console technology.
Interestingly, the PS5 Pro version also doesn't use the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) upscaler, which can result in certain visual artifacts that are less refined than expected. Despite this, the game shines through its use of conventional ray tracing, with significant enhancements evident in both global illumination and reflections. Digital Foundry describes the visual impact as a "generational divide in lighting fidelity." This reflects the ongoing trend where games are specifically developed to take full advantage of current-gen consoles to deliver exceptional performance.
Nicolas Lopez, a technical architect at Ubisoft Montreal, expressed the team's dedication to providing meaningful upgrades on the PS5 Pro in a recent social media post. "We went the extra mile for PS5 Pro and it paid off," he stated, indicating that the enhancements were intentional and tailored to maximize the console's capabilities.
As shadows flicker under dynamic light sources and environments render with stunning detail, Assassin's Creed Shadows is shaping up to be a significant entry in the franchise, especially for fans eager for high-quality visual experiences. Reports have repeatedly emphasized that this title stands out not just as another installment in the Assassin's Creed series but as a showcase for the technical prowess possible on the PS5 Pro.
The game includes three in-game settings on the PS5 Pro: a resolution mode targeting 30 FPS at nearly native 4K, a balanced mode that runs at 40 FPS upscaled from dynamic 1440p, and the aforementioned performance mode promising 60 FPS at dynamic 1440p with ray tracing intact. The availability of these modes allows players to select their preferred gameplay style without compromising on aesthetic quality.
Digital Foundry, in their reports, stated that "Assassin's Creed Shadows on the PS5 Pro delivers one of the most substantial upgrades seen on Sony's enhanced consoles." A sentiment echoed by ElAnalistaDeBits, who declared it the "best optimized open world Ubisoft has created in years." The anticipation surrounding the launch reflects gamers' eagerness to explore the vast world crafted within Shadows, particularly as improved framerates and graphics become the new standard for console games.
In conclusion, Assassin's Creed Shadows is positioned to redefine expectations, highlighting the ongoing advancements in gaming technology. As this game prepares to make its debut, it not only aims to captivate the hearts of loyal fans but also seeks to establish a benchmark for future releases on all platforms. With profound enhancements on the PS5 Pro, players are in for an impressive journey that promises to offer both excitement and emotional engagement in a beautifully rendered open world.
